Business Confidence Plummets Amidst Economic Challenges
Business Confidence Plummets Amidst Economic Challenges
3
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
In an unexpected turn of events, business confidence has experienced a substantial decline this November, marking a significant shift from last month's brief positive outlook, according to the National Australia Bank (NAB).
A recent NAB survey revealed a notable drop in business confidence by eight points, taking it to minus three, accompanied by a five-point decline in business conditions.
The downturn is particularly pronounced in the manufacturing and retail sectors, which showed the weakest performance in goods production and distribution. Conversely, the services sectors are holding strong, indicating disparities in economic resilience within the different sectors. NAB's findings further revealed that all sub-components of business conditions are now at or below average levels.
Geographically, South Australia and Victoria experienced the weakest conditions, while Queensland was the sole state to exhibit an improvement. "Confidence fell sharply in November and is now back below average," stated NAB Chief Economist Alan Oster. He acknowledged the persistent trend of below-average business confidence despite last month's optimistic observations.
The survey's negative sentiment is echoed in declining forward orders from the mining and retail industries, sectors that have lagged behind the long-term average throughout most of the year. However, service sectors such as recreation, finance, and property services continue to perform well above their counterparts.
On a positive note, capacity utilisation remains robust at 82.4%, surpassing the long-term average. Capital expenditure has also increased by 10 points, indicating sustained investment activity. Additionally, consumer prices show potential disinflationary trends, with retail prices taking a 0.6% dip and recreation and personal services seeing a 0.7% decline. Overall, output price growth held stable at a quarterly 0.6%.
Mr. Oster highlighted the mixed economic signals: "Overall, the survey points to ongoing soft growth in Q4 though with capacity utilisation unchanged at an above-average level. It will likely take more time for price pressures to fully normalise."
These developments emerge in the context of NAB's Australian housing market analysis, which, alongside data from CoreLogic, alludes to a correction phase for the real estate market as December progresses.
The report indicated that house values in four out of eight capitals decreased, led by Melbourne. Despite 22 consecutive months of growth previously, November's overall house price increase stirred faintly at just 0.1%. Notably, Perth stood out with a 1.1% increase, reflecting annual growth of 3% for the quarter, albeit much lower than earlier figures.
Highlights revealed muted growth in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, contrasting with declines in Melbourne, Darwin, and Sydney where high-end properties faced more significant depreciations. A persistent increment in regional housing, recording a 1.1% rise over three months, shows diversification in house price trends nationally.
Factors such as rising inventory levels, particularly visible in Sydney and Melbourne, underscore shifting dynamics; listings across major cities have surged 16% this quarter. This is met with a decline in home sales, particularly felt in Sydney.
With rental prices continuing their climb-albeit at a slower pace-Tim Lawless of CoreLogic states, "Housing markets are likely to be arriving in 2025 on relatively weaker footing, with value growth losing steam...advertised stock levels rising, unaffordability at record highs, and demand no longer keeping pace with the flow of new listings." Until interest rates fall, pressure on housing trends appears unlikely to ease significantly.
Published:Tuesday, 10th Dec 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the private lending sector, uncovering several areas of concern. The investigation revealed inconsistent and unclear reporting, downplayed risks, opaque fee structures, conflicts of interest, and poor valuation practices within the industry. - read more
The Australian non-bank lending sector is experiencing significant growth, attracting attention from both the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). As more Australians turn to non-bank lenders for property loans, concerns about financial stability and regulatory oversight have emerged. - read more
In a significant development for Australia's financial sector, business lending has reached an unprecedented $925 billion across the nation's top 10 authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) as of July 2025. This milestone underscores a robust appetite for corporate borrowing, reflecting growing economic confidence among businesses. - read more
Recent data indicates a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with over 54% now planning to utilise non-bank lenders for business investment in the next six months. This marks a notable increase from 47% recorded a year ago, highlighting a growing inclination among SMEs to seek alternative financing solutions that offer greater flexibility and accessibility. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at curbing high-risk lending practices within the housing market. Effective from 1 February 2026, APRA will implement a cap limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with debt-to-income (DTI) ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
Recent trends indicate a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A growing number of these businesses are turning to non-bank lenders to meet their funding needs, driven by the desire for more flexible and accessible financing solutions. - read more
In recent years, Australia has witnessed a significant transformation in consumer financing preferences, with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services emerging as a favoured alternative to traditional credit options such as credit cards and personal loans. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
Personal loans can be a valuable financial tool when used wisely. They can help you cover unexpected expenses, consolidate debt, or even fund major purchases. However, it's crucial to understand the implications of taking out a personal loan, especially if you have bad credit. - read more
Credit scores play a crucial role in your financial life, influencing your ability to access loans, credit cards, and even housing rentals. In Australia, your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, which lenders use to assess the risk of lending to you. - read more
Smart budgeting is the cornerstone of financial health. It helps you understand where your money is going and empowers you to make informed financial decisions. In Australia, like everywhere else, a well-managed budget can significantly improve your quality of life and financial stability. - read more
Your credit score is much more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial history and a determining factor in securing future loans. Understanding how bad credit can affect your loan applications is crucial in today's financial landscape. Bad credit can lead to frustration and disappointment when looking for a competitive loan offer, but don't lose heart—there are actionable steps you can take to improve your situation. - read more
Imagine being hit with an unexpected expense like a car repair or medical bill. Without a financial buffer, such surprises can wreak havoc on your budget. This is where an emergency fund plays its heroic role. - read more
It is no secret that the foundation of financial well-being is rooted in effective budgeting. In today's fast-paced world, where consumerism reigns, understanding how to manage one's finances has never been more crucial. Budgeting is not merely about restraining spending; it’s about creating a strategic plan that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle. It allows individuals to gain control over their money, rather than letting their spending habits dictate their life course. - read more
Welcome to our blog! For young families, securing your future often requires careful planning and prudent financial decisions. One of the most crucial steps you can take in this journey is creating a financial safety net. - read more
Budgeting is often seen as a restrictive practice, something that curtails fun and spontaneity. However, the truth is quite the contrary. Proper budgeting is a fundamental aspect of nurturing financial well-being. It's about understanding your income, controlling your spending, and ensuring that you prioritize saving and investing. A well-crafted budget can lead to a stress-free financial life by giving you a clear view of where your money is going and where you can potentially save. - read more
In simple terms, a loan is an amount of money you borrow from a lender and agree to pay back over time, often with interest. Loans come in various forms and can be tailored to suit different needs, such as buying a home, financing a car, or consolidating debt. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We
respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Margin Call: A demand by a broker that an investor deposit additional money or securities into the account to cover possible losses.